THE GLOBAL STUDENTS ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

Creating a platform for young minds, rewarding them with the right guidance.

Founded in 1998 by Saint Louis University, GSEA is now an Entrepreneurs’ Organization program which provides an eminent stage for young student entrepreneurs to showcase their business acumen. The program entails a global competition between such young business owners and rewards the winners with expert guidance and helps them build a network that will propel their business towards further growth.
Vision

Empowering student entrepreneurs to become the world’s most influential change makers.

Mission

To give student entrepreneurs the opportunity to accelerate their success, challenge the status quo, connect to an instrumental peer group and make the greatest impact possible in their community.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is GSEA?

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is the premier global competition for students who own and operate a business while attending college or university. Nominees compete against their peers from around the world in a series of local and/or national competitions in hopes to qualify for the GSEA Global Finals.

Aside from the prize money, how does winning GSEA benefit student entrepreneurs?

  • Access to successful entrepreneurs, feedback, mentorship.
  • Refined elevator pitches – Going head to head with other business owners and answering tough questions about their business to our judges helps competitors improve their pitch skills and enhance their ability to communicate the value proposition of their business.
  • Expanded networks – Competitors will meet other student entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) members and our honoured guests.

Media Exposure. Competitors will receive local and national media attention for themselves and their business.

Why does GSEA Exist?

EO GSEA supports student entrepreneurs who require much-needed mentorship, recognition and connections to take their businesses to the next level of success.

What are the prizes for GSEA at the global level?

Prizes are generally a combination of cash and business services and will vary by location.
At the Global Finals, students will compete for a prize package of US$25,000 in cash with a total prize value of over $40,000, which will include a travel/lodging expense paid trip to compete in the Global Finals.
Second place will receive prizes worth US$10,000 and third place will receive prizes worth US$5,000.
Additional awards are given at the Global Finals for Social Impact, Innovation, and Lessons from the Edge.

Local chapter’s prize money are as follows

Rs 1 lakh for the winner.

Rs 50 thousand for the runner-up.

Who is eligible to apply for GSEA?

Undergraduate and graduate* college/university students who own and operate a business for at least six months are eligible to compete.
*Graduate students are eligible to apply only if they have continually enrolled in a university following their undergraduate degree and not left school to work on their business or to seek other employment. Exceptions can be made for students who have taken up to one academic year’s break before beginning their postgraduate education.

Where are the GSEA finals being held?

Qualifying competitions are held in cities and countries worldwide. The 2020 Global Finals competition was held in Cape Town, South Africa. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 Global Finals were held online for the safety of our participating student entrepreneurs, members and esteemed judges.
(The physical event is subject to health & safety concerns, and depends on easing of global travel restrictions. If it is not safe to conduct physical awards, the GSEA awards will be conducted via web-conferencing.)

The 2023 GSEA finals to be held in Kolkata

HOW DOES ASSOCIATING WITH GSEA BENEFIT YOU?

RIGHT FUNDING

GSEA provides you the opportunity to showcase your business to one of the largest community of entrepreneurs and prospective investors in the world.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application

Apply for EO GSEA Awards to the Kolkata chapter.If selected,move to step 2.

Screening, Shortlist & Training

Following the first round of screening by industry experts, 5 candidates will be shortlisted as finalists. Attend forums and training sessions that will prepare you for the Regional Finals.

Chapter Finals

Participate in the chapter finals with 10 of the best student entrepreneurs. Being proclaimed EO kolkata’s top 2 would represent us at the national finals.

National Finals

The national GSEA finals will be a competition between India’s top 30 student entrepreneurs.

Global Finals

50 of the world’s top student entrepreneurs will compete for the global GSEA awards!

Win!

Become the Global EO GSEA Student Champion by winning the Global GSEA 2022-2023.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Last date for applications – 28th September 2023
  • First round of screening and shortlisting – 13th & 14th Oct 2023
  • Mentorship by Industry Experts – Mentorship by experienced Entrepreneurs.
  • Chapter Final – 16th Nov 2023

PRIZE MONEY

  • Chapter Winner – 100,000 INR
  • 1st Runners Up – 50,000 INR
  • Top 2 will represent the chapter national final

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR GSEA?

The Entrepreneur

You must be enrolled for the current academic year in a university/college as an undergraduate or graduate* student at the time of application. Full-time enrollment is not required; part-time enrollment is acceptable.

You must be the owner, founder or controlling shareholder of your company and principally responsible for its operation. Each company can be represented by only one owner/co-founder.

  • The Entrepreneur

    • The Business

    • Your business must have been in operation for at least six consecutive months prior to the application.
    • Your business must have generated US $500 or received US $1000 in investments at the time of application.
    • Businesses at the idea stage are not eligible.

  • The Business

    • Other Qualification Notes

    • You should not have been one of the top seven finalists from any previous year’s GSEA Global Finals Competition.
    • The age cap for participation is 30 years of age.

  • Other Qualification Notes